Page 112 of The Furies

“Scavengers,” said Louis. “Pirato had that much right. We start keeping track of their kind, we’ll have no room left in our heads for anything else. So what are you thinking?”

“We take them at the Braycott,” I said. “No point in letting them run around loose if we can trap them instead.”

“You figure them for reasonable men?”

“I figure them for pragmatists: unpleasant, but practical. The fifty thousand isn’t in their hands yet. If it was, it would be enough to make them fight. With luck, we can convince them to walk away while they still can.”

“We’ve never had much luck like that before,” said Angel, which was true, if unhelpful.

“There’s always a first time,” I said, “even for us.”

“Do you trust Luca Z not to try to warn them?” asked Louis.

“No, but I trust Pirato not to let Luca out of his sight until we resolve this.”

“I doubt Pirato is going to be returning to Providence anytime soon,” said Louis. “He probably already knew Dante Vero was weak, but now he also knows that Luca Z’s judgment can’t be relied on. I’d say that the Office’s succession issues in the Northeast remain unresolved.”

“Thankfully, they’re not our problem.”

“They might be, if Luca Z finds a way to wriggle out from under Pirato’s heel and assert himself. The way you run, you’ll cross his path again, and he’s one to hold grudges.”

I didn’t reply. It was a worry for another day.

“What do you think Pirato meant by that comment about the Argent building?” I said.

“No idea. Reggio may be able to enlighten you.”

“Could be I’m not concerned enough to ask.”

“That might be for the best,” said Louis. “There was definitely a cold undertow to Pirato’s message. But then, that old man is pure ice.”

CHAPTER XL

In Portsmouth, Adio Pirato walked in step with Dante Vero, the others behind and ahead of them. Luca Z was to the fore, walking with Anthony, while Mark took up the rear.

“If you have something to say,” said Pirato, “now is the time.”

“It was mishandled,” said Vero.

“With Parker?”

“No, before, with the Sawyer woman. By us. By me. I apologize.”

“You’re too hard on yourself. We put you in a difficult position, one you didn’t ask for and didn’t want. The greater error was ours, compounded by the poor watchdog we placed with you.”

They saw Luca Z peer back at them over his shoulder. Pirato had asked him to give them some privacy, and now he was desperate to know what they might be talking about, because he was convinced—rightly, as it turned out—that it involved him. Luca Z had also been ordered by Pirato to hand over his cell phone. The pause before he consented had been one of the longest of Dante Vero’s life.

“He may learn,” said Vero, although his tone held no particular conviction.

“Some do, some don’t.” Pirato sounded untroubled either way. “And you, Dante, you’ve been a good captain. This difficulty up in Portland apart, you’ve kept the ship steady, but it’s time for you to take a step back—with a token of recognition for your efforts, of course.”

“That’s not necessary,” said Vero. It was what was supposed to be said, like politely demurring at a compliment, but in his case it was sincerely meant. To be able at last to jettison the encumbrance of leadership would be sufficient reward.

“Nevertheless,” said Pirato.

“And who will take my place?”

“For the time being, that duty will fall to me. I don’t mind leaving Providence behind.” Pirato briefly reverted to Italian to speak of his dead wife. “Mia moglie, che riposi in pace, non c’è più ora. But as you know, I have a daughter living up here. I like her husband, and I love my grandchildren. I can find somewhere near them, but not too near. One does not wish to impose.”

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